As the nation prepares for the upcoming 2025 Budget reading on Tuesday, March 11, citizens across Ghana have taken to social media to express their expectations and concerns ahead of the much-anticipated event. Discussions have spanned issues from energy costs and taxation to agricultural funding and job creation, highlighting a strong desire for a balanced and growth-oriented fiscal plan.
Many Ghanaians are urging the government to tighten oversight of state-owned enterprises. One comment on X. suggested that MD salaries should be scaled down. It read, “Scale down the salaries of MDs of state own enterprises. These people make more monies than MPs and face no pressure from the public as MPs do. Any MD who records losses in two consecutive years should be fired, this will make them work hard. As for the budget we trust you.” Not long ago, there was a widespread frustration following the controversy at the State Insurance Company (SIC) involving its former Managing Director and her earnings.
Taxation remains a contentious issue as Ghanaians seek relief from what they perceive as an increasing burden. Several voices have demanded the cancellation of various levies, with one stating, “Cancel these E-levy, Betting tax, Covid-19 tax. Bring back Tollbooth. Make use of the ayalolo buses to reduce transport fares please.” Many also expect that the budget reading will refrain from introducing any new taxes.
Others hope the budget will address abandoned projects by calling on the government to redirect funds toward completing these projects and bolstering the agricultural sector. One commenter noted, “Let’s make funds available for all the abandoned projects left behind since 2016 in addition to the ones the previous government had initiated to a completion before we imitate any newer projects. Then again we need allocation funds for agriculture and its processing for the indigenous people to survive and support their communities.” One project, though not abandoned, is without dedicated funding: the Agenda 111 project. The Mahama administration has stated that it will need about $1.7bn to complete. The project was initiated by the Nana-Addo government, but reports indicate that no funding was allocated to complete it.
There is also a strong call for increased transparency in local government revenue collection. One voice asked, “I want to hear how the Central Government intends to use the GRA to help the MMDAs become more accountable in the revenues they collect by way of IGF, with particular FOCUS ON PROPERTY RATES.”
Amid concerns over the rising cost of fuel and electricity, citizens stress the need for balanced fiscal strategies that support both cost control and development. One comment emphasized, “Cost control of fuel & electricity, while investing in roads & railways. Prioritize affordable housing to ease urban accommodation issues and support local farmers with subsidies, extension services, agricultural mechanization, and irrigation systems to enhance food security.”
With the budget reading only a couple of days away, citizens from various sectors remain hopeful that the fiscal plan will not only provide immediate economic relief but also lay the groundwork for sustainable development through improved governance, strategic investments, and a renewed focus on agriculture and infrastructure.
